braiding rivers

Braided rivers are characterized by multiple interconnected channels that weave around numerous, often shifting, islands called braid bars. This pattern forms in areas with high sediment supply and variable water flow, causing the river to split and rejoin repeatedly. The channels are typically shallow and have unstable banks, creating a dynamic landscape. Braided rivers frequently form in environments with steep gradients or where glacial or volcanic activity deposits large amounts of debris, leading to a complex network that constantly changes as the river redistributes sediments.